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Lester E. Koch, 77

Lester E. Koch, 77, of rural Wapakoneta, died 7:40 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at Wapakoneta Manor, following a more than four year courageous battle with cancer.
He was born April 13, 1934, in Auglaize County, the son of Leona (Elsass) and William Koch, who preceded him in death. On June 13, 1954, he married Mary E. Rausch, and she survives.
Other survivors include, four children, Danny (Val) Koch, Sugar Grove, Gene (Krista) Koch, of Fort Wayne, Ind., Martha Harms and John Wolff, of Milford Center, and Ronnie (Sandy) Koch, of Fredericksburg, Iowa; 13 grandchildren, Jessica and Curtis, Jason, William, Jenna, Caleb, Aaron, Nathan, Cameron, Adam, Rachel, Sarah, Ethan, Hannah; three great grandchildren, Keagon, Andrea, and Avery; and two brothers, Hubert (Shirley) Koch, of Lakeview, Raymond (Brenda) Koch, of Tyler, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Koch.
Lester retired in 1993 after 25 years service with Procter & Gamble, Lima. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. A 1952 graduate of Blume High School, his memberships included the Lutheran Layman’s League, Lutheran Hour Ministries, and the Good Sam Camping Club. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, fishing, and most especially spending time with his family. Lester was always ready to help family and friends. Along with his wife, Mary, he traveled to Alaska 3 summers to help with church building projects.
Services are at 10:30 a.m., Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pusheta Road, with the Rev. Ray Long officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John’s Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home in Wapakoneta and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.
Contributions may be given to the Good News Magazine, the Lutheran Hour Ministries, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be shared at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com.